Carabao Cup second round: Stevenage 0-3 Reading: Attendance 2,013
Reading eased past Stevenage 3-0 to reach the third round of the Carabao Cup at Broadtail Way on Tuesday evening.
In front of 2,013 at the Sporta Stadium including a sizeable contingent from Berkshire, two first half goals from Jacob Brown and Paddy Lane put Reading firmly in command, before a late third by Randall Williams ensured Leam Richardson’s side made it in the hat.
In a dominant display from the Biscuitmen, the travelling Royals’ fans celebrated Brown’s ninth minute opener, with the visitors opener assisted by Paddy Lane to put the side from Berkshire 1-0 ahead.
Stung, Stevenage pushed forward, with Reading keeper Joel Pereira foiling Jack Taylor in the 18th minute. Boro’s evergreen striker Jordan Roberts then forced a save from Joel Pereira 180 seconds later as the home side attempted to gain parity.
However, Lane turned from provider to scorer as the Royals No33 doubled the lead on 24 minutes, as their travelling fans once again celebrated at the other end of the otherwise sparsely populated stadium.
It could have been worse as early as the half hour mark when Charlie Savage’s long-range left footed effort was saved by Boro keeper Filip Marschall.
Richardson’s Reading started in the same vein after the interval, with Marschall saving George Earthy’s testing low drive at his near post
Stevenage attempted to claw their way back into proceedings when Phoenix Patterson’s connected with a cross from Boro warhorse Carl Piergianni’s cross in the box, only for Pereira to save, prior to substitute Michael Mellon’s header flying wide just past the hour mark.
As the clock ticked down the Royals sealed passage to the Carabao Cup third round after No14 Williams slotted home from close range in the 85th minute, as their fans and team celebrated joyously at Broadhall Way.
